In a decisive step toward reshaping Nigeria’s economic diplomacy and global competitiveness, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, mni, OON, on Monday, September 30, 2025, in a high-level luncheon with the European Union Commission in Abuja.
The engagement, attended by senior EU officials, captains of industry, and leading members of the Nigerian business community, reaffirmed NACCIMA’s unyielding commitment to strengthening trade, investment, and strategic partnerships between Nigeria and the European Union.
The European Union delegation was led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the EU Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Director Dora Correia, Director for African, Caribbean and Pacific – Asia (II), Trade and Sustainable Development, Green Deal, Directorate-General for Trade.
In his powerful address, Dr. Jani Ibrahim described the EU as a “critical ally in Nigeria’s quest for industrial growth, economic transformation, and sustainable development.” He stressed that the partnership must move beyond rhetoric to actionable frameworks that drive innovation, technology transfer, and industrial expansion across key sectors of the economy.
“Our resolve at NACCIMA is clear and unwavering — to reposition Nigeria as the investment heartbeat of Africa,” Dr. Ibrahim declared. “This engagement with the EU Commission underscores our determination to build a more inclusive, transparent, and globally competitive economy powered by the private sector.”
He further emphasized that the collaboration between NACCIMA and the EU would serve as a catalyst for unlocking unprecedented opportunities in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and green technology — all of which are vital to driving sustainable growth and job creation.
Ambassador Mignot commended NACCIMA’s visionary leadership and reaffirmed the European Union’s strategic interest in deepening economic ties with Nigeria. He noted that the EU remains a dependable partner in advancing Nigeria’s reform agenda, expanding trade volumes, and promoting responsible investment.
Also speaking, Director Dora Correia highlighted the European Union’s strong commitment to a green, inclusive, and sustainable partnership with Nigeria, stressing that trade and private-sector cooperation remain central to Europe’s engagement with Africa.
Participants at the luncheon described the meeting as a timely and transformative dialogue that would pave the way for new trade agreements, increased foreign direct investment, and enhanced private-sector collaboration.
The NACCIMA President also reiterated the association’s readiness to sustain high-level engagements with global partners, noting that international cooperation remains the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial renaissance.
“This partnership is not just about trade; it is about shared prosperity, innovation, and the collective vision to build a stronger, more resilient economy for future generations,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.
The Abuja luncheon was widely hailed as a landmark milestone in consolidating the Nigeria–EU economic partnership, reinforcing mutual trust, and charting a bold new course for a prosperous and sustainable future driven by enterprise, innovation, and collaboration.
